Putin In India: Why India Is Boosting Russia Ties Amid Western Pressure

Ambassador Dr Mohan Kumar, Former Diplomat, explains why President Putin’s state visit to India is a moment of huge geopolitical significance. With the world shifting from a unipolar to a multipolar order, India is asserting its independent foreign policy despite Western sanctions on Russia and tensions with the United States. Key priorities include de-risking exports by expanding opportunities in Russia—particularly in garments, shrimps, textiles, and pharmaceuticals—while also strengthening defence ties with potential full technology transfer and joint production of cutting-edge systems. All eyes will be on the visit’s outcome document, India’s body language, and the reactions from Washington and Europe, especially on Ukraine’s mention in the joint statement.